The 12 signs of the zodiac are well known. But working in tandem with the zodiac wheel is the wheel of houses. Each astrological birth chart is divided into 12 sections. These 12 houses represent different facets of our lives, and play a significant role in astrology. The first six houses have to do with you, while the second six focus on your dealings with others.

1. First House: House of Self

This is ruled by Aries and Mars, and tells you a lot about you. It informs you about your personality, your physical appearance and how you project and present yourself to the outside world.

2. Second House: House of Value

The Second House refers to how you value yourself. It is ruled by Taurus and Venus, and is associated with money, material possessions, and security. But please note - value in the name of this house refers to both your finances and your internal values.

3. Third House: House of Communication

This house is associated with Gemini and Mercury, and oversees how you communicate and connect with others. It focuses on your abilities and skills in expression, like writing and speaking. And it also focuses on inner-thoughts and thinking patterns and processes. It also includes your relationships with brothers and sisters, and neighbours.

4. Fourth House: House of Home and Family

This house is all about your roots and your foundations. It is represents your home and your family life. The Fourth House is ruled by Cancer and the Moon, and affects your home life, emotional foundation, the subconscious. Some believe it also affects the relationship with your parents.

5. Fifth House: House of Pleasure

The Fifth House is associated with Leo and the Sun, and focuses on creativity, self-expression, and the pursuit of pleasure. This house is all about fun and entertainment. It incorporates art and culture, and things that bring joy and fulfilment in life, including romance, hobbies, games and your family.

6. Sixth House: House of Health and Service

With Virgo joining Mercury, the focus of the Sixth House is on daily routines, work, health, service to others and more. It can provide invaluable insight into physical health and physical care for the mortal body. And it can also offer important understanding of our mental and emotional self, and how we react to challenges.

7. Seventh House: House of Partnerships

This house deals with our relationships and how we interact with others. Sometimes this house is referred to as the House of Marriage, but the House of Partnerships incorporates all one-to-one relationships, whether romantic, platonic or professional. The Seventh House is associated with Libra and Venus.

8. Eighth House: House of Transformation

Pluto and Scorpio rule this house, which is also referred to as the House of Sex. It symbolises deep transformations and power, and represents intimacy, secrets, and sexuality. It is associated with birth, death, rebirth, and also incorporates transformation, and our most intimate emotional bonds.

9. Ninth House: House of Philosophy

The Ninth House, which is also referred to as the House of Purpose, encompasses a person’s higher beliefs and wisdom – it is the house of big thoughts and big ideas. It focuses on philosophy, religion, law, higher learning and education, and is ruled by Sagittarius and the mighty Jupiter. The Ninth House centres on our religion, morals, ethics, and dreams.

10. Tenth House: House of Career / Social Status

This is all about career and public image, and is associated with ambition, success and achievements. The focus of the Tenth House is on your career and professional life, and how you are perceived by others. This house is ruled by Capricorn and Saturn, and also addresses responsibility, standing and reputation.

11. Eleventh House: House of Friendships

This house is governed by Aquarius and Uranus and centres around friends and colleagues, aspirations and dreams. How you express yourself in groups and handle your relationships are all part of this house. Here, we see the power of collective and the community, including social circles, clubs and organisations.

12. Twelfth House: House of the Unconscious

The Twelfth House relates to secrets and the subconscious, and is related to our feelings and fears. It is known as the House of the Unconscious, among other things, and it focuses on how you handle hidden matters and deal with your inner turmoil. It is associated with Pisces and Neptune and also oversees karma, dreams and spiritual growth.